What are the consequences for foreigners working illegally on DTV visas in Thailand?

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Europeans busted working as diving instructors while holding DTV visas 👀

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around foreigners, particularly Europeans, working illegally as diving instructors while holding DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) visas in Thailand. Several contributors express frustration over the actions of these individuals, who are seen as jeopardizing the status of legitimate DTV holders. The conversation highlights ongoing issues in places like Koh Tao, where foreign instructors have been operating without proper work permits for years, raising concerns about the scrutiny of foreign behavior in the country. Key advice includes avoiding employers who suggest obtaining DTV without work permits due to the potential risk of fines and deportation.

Arto **************** · Answer

Selfish and stupid as hell, making life difficult and uncertain for us legit DTV remote workers

Mo ****** · Answer

Those are the guys making things difficult for DTV holders. Along with Chinese scammers holding DTV too.

Christopher *********** · Answer

Thanks for posting. I was recently in a restaurant in Ao Nang, Krabi. There was one obviously non-Thai guy behind the bar. Every time I looked in his direction his head went down. So obvious. My visa agent tells me English people are the majority of her customers. Some run bars in Pattaya.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Quick, how can we blame it on Israel?

Jiji *********** · Answer

Teachable Moment: If a potential employer offers you a full time in person job but says they won't get you a work permit, but support you getting a DTV because "that's how its done here now", AVOID.

Because if you're caught, they will get a fine. But you will be the one facing consequences, worst case being deportation and blacklisting.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

This has been going on in Koh Tao for ages. Much before DTV was introduced. They have been using ed and normal tourist visas before.

This one that got busted is just one dive school employing foreigners illegally. There are 100’s of dive instructors and divemasters working illegally in Koh Tao.

Jiji *********** · Answer

This has been happening a in all parts of the country recently regarding people being employed, in-person, sans work permit, on DTVs.

It is astounding to me that businesses here caught doing this, for the most part, have been operating for years decades here.

Certainly long enough to know better than to pull this, when all it takes is a neighbour with a grudge, real or imagined, to report your premises to the authorities.

It's particular folly to continue to do it now, in the current climate in which foreigner behaviour is being scrutinised, regarding nominee businesses getting raided and suchlike.

What are the consequences for foreigners working illegally on DTV visas in Thailand?

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